Nemacolin Prepares To Dig In And Give Back

Volunteers from Nemacolin Woodlands Resort will hit the road this week with representatives from more than a dozen other organizations to take part is what some might deem the ultimate in giving back. On Friday, April 19, 2013, Nemacolin Gives Back, a Nemacolin Woodlands Resort volunteer organization created to personally impact the local community, will participate in the second year of a multi-year reforestation effort at the Flight 93 Memorial site. The ultimate goal of the project is to establish a windbreak for the 40 Memorial Groves design feature, which will be planted nearby in memory of those individuals who lost their lives aboard Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. The personal impact for the participants is much more far reaching.

“After participating in the first year of the project, we were left with a feeling of overwhelming gratitude for the sacrifices of the crew and passengers of Flight 93. We all walked away with a sense of satisfaction that we were able to make a small contribution in the effort to preserve their memory for years to come,” said Julie King, Marketing Manager and Organizer of Nemacolin Gives Back. “This project has such a personal connection for everyone who has played a part and unites us in a way that none of us should ever forget. That is why we knew we had to be involved again this year.”

Nemacolin Gives Back was established over a year ago and has participated in several events since its inception. These events include a Nemacolin's traveling Wild Animal Show at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Flight 93 Reforestation Project, Habitat for Humanity, a Summer Food Program and Pittsburgh Beautification. In keeping with the philanthropic spirit of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort's founders, Joseph A. Hardy and Maggie Hardy Magerko, Nemacolin Gives Back has made it their mission to personally impact individuals through personal connection and interaction. However, for many of the individuals participating in the Flight 93 project, the personal impact lies within.

Images from Nemacolin Gives Back's participation in the Flight 93 Reforestation project in 2012.

Julie King
Marketing Manager
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Meet our NEW Director of Instruction...

Meet our NEW Director of Instruction - Brian Rogish

Meet Brian Rogish!  Our new Director of Instruction at the Nemacolin Golf Academy. Brian has dedicated his career to helping golfers play better and enjoy the game.  Recently, Brian was recognized as "One of the Best Young Teachers in America," through his nomination for the Top 40 Teachers Under the Age of 40 List. Brian’s 360° approach is practical, focusing on the goals and needs of each golfer through customized instruction.

Tell us a little about yourself?
I’m originally from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania but recently moved to Farmington, Pennsylvania from Cleveland, Ohio. I eat, sleep, and breathe the game of golf. During the times I’m not around the game, I love being outdoors, at a baseball game, fishing or spending time with friends and family and a new member, my dog, “Arnie” (yes, after Arnold Palmer).

When did you start golfing and who introduced you to the game?I got into golf a little later in life than I think most of my Professional peers did.  I started when I was 19 years old, which by comparison to the youth of today, is pretty late. I was into other sports growing up, mainly baseball and basketball.  Like many golfers, it was my father who first introduced me to the game and I was instantly addicted. I honestly never really considered the idea of a career in golf until about a month before I graduated college, but at this point I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.  It’s funny how life works itself out.

How would you classify your teaching style, and why do you think that it is best?
I would classify my teaching style as practical.  I’m very goal oriented with my students and always try to help them work within their individual goals. Every person plays the game for a different reason and wants different things from the game. My approach is to help each person that comes to see me; accomplish their goals. I incorporate various technologies, like TrackMan, to make each golfer’s lesson experience more productive.  I wouldn’t necessarily say that my style or approach is the best, it is just the method I have had the most success with helping students reach their goals. I consider myself a life-long student because I am constantly learning things from a number of great instructors I have been lucky enough to be around.
To date, what is your proudest golf accomplishment?
I think that the accomplishment I am most proud of is any time a student tells me about a career low round or a goal they have reached. I receive much more personal enjoyment from helping others enjoy the game more than I ever could from winning a tournament. I love to work with the frustrated golfer who is on the verge of abandoning the game because I know it is a chance for me to bring a lot of happiness back into that person’s life by helping them play better.

In your opinion, what is the most exciting new trend in golf instruction?
No question, it’s the evolution of technology. Technology like TrackMan has truly changed the face of golf instruction and that is only the surface. There is technology that exists now that can tell us things about a golfer’s swing that were physically impossible to see with our eyes and even video. It’s really an exciting time to be an instructor, because the technology continues to get better and better and that translates into better lessons for the student.

What is your favorite club in your bag and why?
That’s a great question. I don’t know that I actually have a favorite club. I’m not really attached to any one club in my bag, but I guess I should show a little more love for my putter considering what is has done for me in the past!

Dream golf foursome (living or dead)?
Tough to narrow that down to just 4, but I would say my parents because they taught me how to be me, and have done so much for me in my life, and then Arnold Palmer because he has arguably done more than any one person for career golf professionals. I’d just like to tell him, “Thanks.”

What is your favorite candy bar?
I’m not much of candy person. I would opt more for a Nature Valley bar.

What made you want to join the Nemacolin team?
Nemacolin offers such a unique combination of a Forbes Five-Star Resort that still knows how to smile and enjoy life.  I felt that matched well with my personality and goals in life. The uniqueness of the property here is the truth to that. I don’t know of any places off the top of my head that have Forbes Five-Star lodging and dining, along with exotic animal habitats footsteps away.

You have been at Nemacolin for a few weeks now.  Any “WOW” moment?
Without a doubt the “WOW” moment happened during my first week here.  I was practicing at the Golf Academy around 8:00PM when I heard a loud rumbling. At first I didn’t pay much attention, but when I listened closer I realized it was the roaring of the lions!  It was amazing to hear in person and I realized that I am probably the only Golf Professional in America that gets to experience the roar of a lion while hitting balls on the range.

Interested in Booking a Lessons with Brian at the Nemacolin Woodlands Golf Academy? For more information or to schedule a lesson, please contact the Nemacolin Golf Department at 724.329.6111.